Kirsten Peterson takes an inadvertent stick to the head as she battles for possession of the puck.
The Gustavus women’s hockey team scored twice in the second period and rallied for a 2-1 win over Bethel on Saturday afternoon at Don Roberts Ice Rink in St. Peter. The Gusties got the game tying goal from Gina DeNucci and the game-winner from Allie Schwab. Danielle Justice, who recorded seven saves, picked up the win in the nets.
Despite outshooting the Royals 12-3 in the first period, Gustavus trailed Bethel 1-0 after the first 20 minutes of play as Sarah Kartak scored a power play goal at the 16:21 mark with assists from Missy Vavra and Kassy Sullivan.
In the second period, the Gusties tied the score at 1-1 when Gina DeNucci took a pass from Alyssa Gaulrapp in front of the net and lifted the puck over the shoulder of Royal netminder Nicole Jones at the 7:23 mark. Ten minutes later, Gustavus picked up the game-winner when Allie Schwab skated up the right side of the rink and muscled a backhand shot just inside the post at the 17:55 mark. Gaulrapp picked up her second assist of the game. The Gusties out-shot the Royals 19-2 in the second period.
Whitney Schaff battles two Bethel players for control of the puck at center ice.
Gustavus continued to put pressure on Bethel in the third period, but strong goaltending from Jones and solid defense in clearing the puck on rebounds kept the Gusties off the scoreboard and the Royals in the game. Gustavus managed to hold on for a 2-1 victory against the scrappy Royals.
Coach Mike Carroll’s squad will now get next weekend off due to the Thanksgiving Break and return to action on Dec 4-5 with a key MIAC series against St. Thomas. The Gusties will host the Tommies on Friday, Dec. 4 at 7:00 pm and then travel to St. Thomas on Saturday, Dec. 5 at 2:00 pm.